THE HALAWA XERISCAPE GARDEN CELEBRATES ITS 22nd ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AND UNTHIRSTY PLANT SALE

HONOLULU - With drier than normal weather forecasted for the remainder of summer, hundreds of Oahu residents gathered at the Board of Water Supply's (BWS) Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale to learn how they can conserve water through efficient landscaping, otherwise known as "xeriscaping."

"I am very encouraged to see our community becoming more conscientious about preserving our island through water conservation," said Acting Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell.  "This event has been a great success for the community and the Board of Water Supply in working towards achieving a more sustainable future."

"It's estimated that about half of the water used by the average single family home on Oahu is used outdoors," said BWS Chairman Randall Chung.  "By incorporating innovative and creative xeriscaping techniques at home, people can save 30 to 80 percent in water consumption."

The Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden and about a dozen local nurseries offered a variety of drought-tolerant, less-thirsty plants for a reasonable price.  Proceeds from the plant sale will support educational programs and classes at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden.    Visitors were also treated to free educational workshops and classes on xeriscaping, composting and rain barrel catchment systems, just to name a few.  Other activities included keiki games, keiki garden planting, a scavenger hunt in the three-acre demonstration garden and a free mulch giveaway.

"For the past 22 years, the BWS and the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden have been co-sponsoring this event to demonstrate how xeriscaping allows homeowners to have beautiful green gardens, while using less water," said BWS Manager and Chief Engineer Wayne M. Hashiro. "Events like this help people better understand what they can do to help preserve our water supply for future generations."

Xeriscaping is based on seven fundamental principles that serve as guidelines on how to plan, plant and maintain a garden that takes advantage of natural climate conditions to make efficient use of irrigation.  To learn more about xeriscaping, the Halawa Xeriscape Garden, or for water saving tips, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.